Gallery
Pros
Cons
Subcompact crossovers have helped fill the void their more affordable car counterparts have left behind.
Many of them represent the point of entry to their respective brands, like the 2026 Honda HR-V, which the company considers its gateway product. Redesigned a few years ago, the HR-V is bigger and more sophisticated than it was before. Updates this year include some additional standard equipment, but it remains mostly unchanged.
Styling 8 / 10
The HR-V looks a bit like a Civic Hatchback that’s transformed into a crossover, with a larger grille placed lower down on its bumper. It’s larger than its predecessor and looks more premium, thanks to a longer dash-to-axle ratio and significantly increased length.
There are shades of the Civic inside, too. It looks and feels more upscale than the old one, with lots of soft padded surfaces and plastics on all major touch points. The honeycomb mesh covering the vents is a contemporary touch, and the dials and large buttons are indicative of Honda’s close attention to proper ergonomics. Many of the competitors don’t feel as nice inside as the HR-V.
Features 7 / 10
Being an entry-level vehicle, a lack of features is to be expected, but even the base trim has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated seats, a wireless phone charging pad, and remote engine start. A nine-inch touchscreen is also standard. The top trim EX-L tested here adds leather seats (now powered on the driver’s side), parking sensors, and trim-specific 18-inch alloy wheels. Every trim but the cheapest one also has all-wheel drive; it’s a $2,300 option with the entry-level LX.
Power 5.5 / 10
Hondas typically have excellent engines, and while there’s nothing wrong with the HR-V’s 2.0L, it’s woefully underpowered. The four-cylinder puts out 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque, which isn’t a lot when it’s tasked with moving 1,494 kg (3,294 lb) of crossover. For reference, the Civic sedan that weighs 200 kg (441 lb) less — and is front-wheel drive-only — makes 150 hp and 133 lb-ft of torque.
As a result of the extra weight, not to mention the two extra wheels receiving torque, acceleration is leisurely. It’s fine around town, but extra time is needed when attempting to pass slower traffic on a highway. The automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT) does its best at keeping the engine’s revs high, but all you end up getting is a lot of noise and little forward momentum to go with it.
Driving Feel 8 / 10
The HR-V is a miss in the power department, but it makes up for it at least a little with its nimble handling. Steering is precise and perfectly weighted, especially off-centre. The leather-wrapped wheel is the perfect diameter and thickness, and there’s little body roll when taking tight corners. Ditto the HR-V’s driving position and outward visibility, which are better than a lot of its rivals.
Again, it feels a lot like the Civic with excellent turn-in and a chassis that doesn’t mind a bit of enthusiastic driving. The HR-V is quite stiffly damped, but it isn’t uncomfortable, even on bumpy roads.
Fuel Economy 6.5 / 10
The undersized engine hurts fuel economy, with a week of driving registering combined consumption of a little less than 10.0 L/100 km — more than its official Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rating of 8.7. The problem is that the engine is always working hard with even small amounts of acceleration, requiring a flurry of revs to get the job done. The Toyota Corolla Cross, one of the HR-V’s main competitors, is much more efficient, and that’s before you consider the hybrid version.
User-Friendliness 8.5 / 10
The HR-V’s cabin, which is similar to most of the rest of Honda’s current lineup, is an excellent example of what a user-friendly experience in a modern car can be. Big, clearly labelled buttons and dials that move with precision aren’t just easy to use but less distracting when driving. It’s also refreshing to see a simple P-R-N-D gear selector and not a joystick or a set of buttons, as is common in new vehicles today (including, it’s worth noting, in the larger Honda Passport).
The infotainment system is also simple and snappy to use, but I had issues with Apple CarPlay not being able to send or reply to messages or voice commands when driving. The issue persisted throughout the entire test week.
Comfort 7 / 10
The HR-V has a great pair of front seats that offer a good amount of support, but also nicely cradle your lower back and hips. They are great even during long drives and are a standout in this segment. There’s also a spacious back seat where two adults will have no problem getting comfortable.
Practicality 7 / 10
The HR-V has 691 L of cargo space before you fold down the rear seats, giving it slightly more than the Corolla Cross. (Neither can beat the Hyundai Kona, which leads the segment with 723 L.) For a subcompact, the HR-V has generous room for four adults.
Safety 10 / 10
The HR-V has a full suite of driver-assist technologies including adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam control, blind-spot monitoring, collision mitigation braking, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist and more. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating.
Value 5.5 / 10
The HR-V is one of the most expensive options in the segment. Its starting MSRP of $32,300 before tax but including freight ($2,000) is nearly $3,500 more than the Hyundai Kona. The top EX-L trim tested here has a selling price after freight and fees of $41,000, which is more than the most expensive Corolla Cross Hybrid. Honda has brand loyalty, and while its badge can command a premium, it isn’t justified in this case.
The Verdict
The 2026 Honda HR-V is a competent subcompact crossover and has many redeeming qualities like a high priority on safety, an excellent interior, and tight and responsive handling. It’s let down by a buzzy, underpowered engine and poor fuel economy. Add in top-tier pricing, and it’s ultimately difficult to recommend in this ultra-competitive segment.
